Diabetic Foot Care Helps Patients Live a Higher Quality of Life

Diabetic foot care can prove a valuable treatment for people living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and struggling with conditions like neuropathy or low blood flow. Nerve damage in the foot and lack of adequate blood supply can both lead to infections and worse complications. 

If you are experiencing a diabetic condition that impacts the feeling or functionality of your feet, you should consult with a podiatrist. The doctor can examine your specific case, develop prevention and treatment strategies, and provide regular checkups. 

What is Diabetes? General Information 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) diabetes is a medical condition where the body is unable to properly process food as a source of energy. This condition occurs when one’s pancreas either cannot or does not produce enough of the hormone insulin which normally helps the body’s cells manage glucose. 

When glucose or “sugar” levels are too high, this can result in a variety of conditions including: 

• Cardiovascular disease
• Blindness
• Kidney failure
• Risk of lower-body amputations

In some cases, diabetes can also cause death. It is one of the highest leading causes in the United States. The condition is most prevalent among Black Americans who are 1.7 times more likely to develop some type of Diabetes compared to non-Hispanic whites. 

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

There are two varieties of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is an insulin-dependent condition that usually appears in childbirth, while Type 2 is non-insulin-dependent and typically develops in adulthood. 

Diabetes Symptoms

The CDC outlines the following as diabetes symptoms: 

• Urinating frequently
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplainable weight loss
• Extreme levels of hunger
• Sudden changes in vision
• Sensations of tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Chronic fatigue or tiredness
• Extraordinarily dry skin 
• Sores that heal slower than usual
• More infections than usual 

Treatment for Diabetes

The Mayo Clinic states these are the following treatment methods for various diabetic conditions: 

For All Diabetic Conditions

• Healthy Diet – Focus on fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole grains that are high in nutrition and fiber. Limit sugar intake and factor it into part of your meal plan. You may also want to consult a dietician for help developing a diabetic-controlled meal plan. 
• Physical Exercise – Engage in regular physical exercise. Consult with your doctor before beginning any workout regimen. 

Treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

The Mayo Clinic states these are the following treatment options available for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes: 

• Checking and recording blood sugar levels
• Insulin therapy – necessary for Type 1 patients, not always required for Type 2 
• Medication 
• Pancreas transplant (in some Type 1 cases only) 
• Bariatric surgery (for some Type 2 patients who struggle with obesity) 

How Does Diabetes Affect My Foot? 

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, diabetes can affect the foot in the following ways: 

Neuropathy 

Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in your foot and result in a condition called diabetic neuropathy. Symptoms can include tingling, pain, or a complete loss of feeling. 

If you cannot feel pain in your foot, you may not notice a severe cut or another injury that can lead to infection. Treatment for neuropathy includes managing the overall symptoms of one’s diabetic condition through lifestyle habits and/or medication to prevent instances of neuropathy from occurring or continuing. 

Low Blood Flow 

When the foot is receiving an insufficient amount of blood flow, this can complicate healing from any cuts or wounds. If unable to heal, this can lead to infection and potentially gangrene. 

Gangrene 

Gangrene occurs when an infected wound is unable to heal. Though there are treatments for the condition, they are not always successful in severe cases. 

For cases where treatment proves insufficient, partial amputation of the foot, the total foot, or part of the leg remain the last available options. To prevent this, it is important to manage your diabetes properly and consult a podiatrist immediately if you experience any symptoms affecting your feet. 

Charcot’s Foot

Though rare, some patients with diabetes do develop the condition known as Charcot’s foot. According to the Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Charcot’s foot begins with sensations of redness, warmth, and swelling which will eventually develop into bones shifting and breaking. This can result in a reshaped foot that can lead to further complications. 

Fortunately, there exist both nonsurgical and surgical treatments for Charcot’s foot. Your podiatrist can provide diabetic foot care for this condition by assessing your individual case and prescribing a treatment plan to help prevent further damage while you recover. 

Do You Need Diabetic Foot Care? Don’t Wait

Diabetes can present new and unpredictable challenges to patients at any stage in their treatment journey. If you suspect that you are experiencing a symptom that requires diabetic foot care, do not hesitate to contact your podiatrist for an evaluation. For more information, contact us any time to learn how we can help you prepare for and prevent diabetic foot conditions from impacting your quality of life.

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